Progression Guide

Expansion order, patch content, tome gear, and savage unlock timeline.

Expansion Progression Path

1

A Realm Reborn (ARR)

Level 1-50 -- Patches 2.0 - 2.55

  • -- Focus on Main Scenario Quests (MSQ) -- they unlock everything.
  • -- Crystal Tower alliance raids are mandatory for Shadowbringers MSQ.
  • -- The 2.x patch quests (post-ARR) are long but set up Heavensward.
  • -- Unlock your job stone at level 30 -- this is critical.
  • -- Hall of the Novice gives Brand-New Ring (30% EXP boost until level 30).
2

Heavensward (HW)

Level 50-60 -- Patches 3.0 - 3.56

  • -- The story significantly improves starting here.
  • -- Flying unlocks per zone by finding Aether Currents + MSQ progression.
  • -- Alexander raids introduce the 8-player raid format.
  • -- Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist unlock in Ishgard (requires MSQ).
  • -- Moogle beast tribe quests are excellent for crafting EXP.
3

Stormblood (SB)

Level 60-70 -- Patches 4.0 - 4.56

  • -- Samurai and Red Mage unlock at level 50 (no MSQ requirement).
  • -- Omega raids continue the 8-player savage raid formula.
  • -- Eureka is the relic weapon content -- time-consuming but rewarding.
  • -- The Ivalice alliance raids (Return to Ivalice) are fan favorites.
  • -- Swimming and diving are introduced for exploration.
4

Shadowbringers (ShB)

Level 70-80 -- Patches 5.0 - 5.55

  • -- Widely considered the best FFXIV expansion and one of the best RPG stories.
  • -- Gunbreaker and Dancer unlock at level 60 (no MSQ requirement).
  • -- Eden raids have excellent story and music.
  • -- Bozja is the relic weapon zone -- also great for leveling alt jobs.
  • -- The Nier alliance raids (YoRHa: Dark Apocalypse) are a crossover event.
5

Endwalker (EW)

Level 80-90 -- Patches 6.0 - 6.55

  • -- The conclusion of the Hydaelyn-Zodiark saga spanning all previous expansions.
  • -- Reaper and Sage unlock at level 70 (no MSQ requirement).
  • -- Pandaemonium is the 8-player raid series with excellent fights.
  • -- Island Sanctuary is a relaxing side content with farming and crafting.
  • -- Manderville relic weapons are the EW relic questline.
6

Dawntrail (DT)

Level 90-100 -- Patches 7.0+

  • -- A new story arc begins -- fresh start for the narrative.
  • -- New region: Tural, inspired by Mesoamerican and Pacific Island cultures.
  • -- The Arcadion is the new 8-player raid series.
  • -- Cosmic Exploration is the new exploration content.
  • -- Graphical update brings improved character models and lighting.

Tomestone Gear

  • 1Uncapped tomestones (Poetics for old content) buy catch-up gear.
  • 2Capped tomestones (current endgame) have a weekly limit -- spend wisely.
  • 3Prioritize weapon > chest/legs > other pieces for stat efficiency.
  • 4Augmented tomestone gear equals savage raid gear in item level.
  • 5Alliance raid coins are used to augment tomestone gear without savage.

Savage Unlock Timeline

  • 1Week 1: Clear normal raids for tokens (1 per fight per week).
  • 2Week 1: Savage floors 1-4 open simultaneously on release.
  • 3Savage loot is one chest per floor per week (books as backup).
  • 4After 8 weeks: Savage weapon is farmable via books.
  • 5Echo buff (damage/HP increase) is added months after release to help clear.